Russia Interested in Israel’s Evolving Microsatellites

Microsatellite technology developed by Israel’s aerospace and defense industries is one of several fields of interest to Russia Space s is one of the areas the Russians are interested in – said Anatoly Perminov, head of the Russian Space Agency Roscosmos headon a visit to Israel last week. “Bilateral cooperation in outer space was at the initial stage and involved efforts to establish contacts between Russian and Israeli companies in the rocket and space industry.” Perminov arrived in Israel to sign a cooperation agreement on the exploration and use of outer space.

The framework agreement is meant to foster joint research programs and other collaborations in areas like astrophysical and planetary research, space biology and medicine, navigational satellites and launching services and technology. It also outlines guidelines for cooperation in intellectual property and scientific exchanges. Israel has already embarked on similar agreements with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the space agencies of France and Italy.

Israeli-Russian cooperation in space has already taken place with several programs in recent years, including the launch of two EROS commercial reconnaissance satellites operated by Imagesat and three communications satellites. Israel’s satellite communications company Spacecom will also use a Russian built communications satellite Amos 5 to extend its services over the Middle East and Africa.

IAI and Rafael are both developing ‘mini’ and ‘micro’ satellites, the Mini satellites weighing around 250-300 kg each with ‘microsatellites’ weighing up to 100 kg each. Development of remote sensing for earth explorations using ‘advanced resolution’ imagery is also an area of interest for the Russians.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently completed certification of the SMASH weapon sight, following a successful operational testing phase with an elite infantry battalion. SMASH dramatically improves the warfighter’s shooting accuracy and efficiency, even at long range, ensuring the first shot hits the intended target, even in high-stress conditions and following extensive physical effort. Using advanced image processing, the sight understands the situation to avoid misfire, friendly fire, and collateral damage.